If Kesler can't handle it then no wonder this team sucks in the playoffs. Players getting their little feelings hurt because for 2 - 3 seasons in a row he has not performed in the playoffs like he should. Tired of walking around on your tipee toes because you may upset a player.

Topper wrote:I haven't voted on this and doubt I will, but I will comment on the 'lost the room" scenario many are spouting.

AV's style has been to develop a leadership core and leave much of the dressing room politics and motivation to that core. He and his coaches look after the style of play, on ice plays and scouting/prep for up coming games. Really not too much different than the way his predecessor managed the team.

The risk of this hands off approach to the room is the leadership core developing a country club atmosphere. I have no idea, but that may have been the stifled effort we saw in the last half of the season.

I suspect some changes to that leadership core in the off season.

I have to agree with this take on AV's(and the organisation in general) "style" and if that is the way this team is being run then it's up to the players to
shake off this ongoing(for quite some time) country club atmo and focus on what needs to be done to win.
There's not many, if any, better candidates out there

Agree that the 'leadership core' has lost its way. GMMG makes that move now based on two things: Vigneault's successor is available and amenable to hook up with the Orcas; and GMMG is willing to risk the team missing the playoffs as a result (slightly unlikely but entirely plausible). Given that now any team missing the playoffs has a chance at a gem of a pick in the draft, is that the worst possible scenario?

The thingies about firing the head coach is we need a replacement before the deed is done. Or we're stuck with interm-Bowness!

Now does Lindy want to coach right now, he just came off what 16 years of coaching the same team? He may want a break and not want to jump right back in right away.

So we have Arniel who can come up from Chicago, he looked to be the man a few years back and does know the system.

Or what about Don Hay? The Giants season is done Saturday, well it's over already really! He knows Vancouver and is an outstanding coach. Didn't have the greatest success in his 2 short NHL stints but they were for pretty craptacular teams. Perhaps he could bridge a gap for this season, if Ruff isn't available right away but may want to come in at the start of next season?

Not advocating this but something needs to change. I'm still hoping for a move or two but those seem to be few and far between during the season.